I have been watching the negotiations following our elections with great interest. The potential for politicians to work together in the interests of the country is an exciting prospect if one dares to hope they will do what they say they want to do.

There was a significant wobble in my enthusiasm during most of yesterday and by last night I felt a sense of gloom return. Like many, I thought Nick Clegg was acting very honourably until the point it was revealed that the LibDems had started secret discussions with the Labour Party. I was disappointed and it felt important to notice that. Someone once said that ‘a cynic is a disappointed optimist’.

It was important because Clegg seemed to be not doing what he said he would do (put the formation of a stable government first) and doing what he said he would not do (make Proportional Representation a deal breaker) and it seemed a little early in the day for changing minds and empty promises. OK so what’s new about that?

Thankfully, some mature minds in the Labour Party put a stop to that diversion on principle and we have an agreement. Credit where it is due for making that call. Even so, I don’t think the events of yesterday will be forgotten by the press and the political commentators. Arguably, we do now have an arrangement which reflects the votes cast last week.  A government with a decent majority but a tempered mandate and an opposition to provide checks and balances. This was achieved without a drastic change to the voting system. PR has a lot of drawbacks despite the appearance of a fairer system.

The challenge now is for the two parties in government to continue in a sensible and measured negotiations on a daily basis without displaying too much compromise or watering down in the decision making. That is important because we are going to need some tough and difficult decisions over the next weeks and months.

I do not want to see them squabbling; I don’t want to hear backbiting or sneaky briefings against colleagues; I don’t want to hear anymore stories about self-interested and self-serving activities. I want to see them work together, fiercely debate the issues that matter and demonstrate their first interest is public service. Only then can we can hope to maintain our independence and look after our citizens in order to be a strong member of the European Community. The price of not being a strong member is to lose the right to make independent choices, as Greece has recently discovered, and makes a mockery of any voting system if it comes down to ‘he who pays the piper, calls the tune.’

To that end this new government could do worse than have the assistance of experienced mediators working alongside keeping the communication and momentum going and marshaling options and choices.

The third eye, perspective, call it what you will, could make all the difference in helping the coalition build strength and trust. The most important of those being trust.

The benefits could be far reaching. Such a lead from the top would give encouragement to companies and organisations to follow and start a new era of agreement.

It is easy to disagree. The act of disagreeing can be addictive. It can also be confused with winning.

Added link: Law Gazette

I had just finished a breakfast meeting with an Italian lawyer and a colleague of mine in the beautiful town of Asolo. My colleague had a client meeting in another town close by. It was such a glorious morning I decided I would stay for a while and get a taxi to meet up with her later.

Wandering around the town with no particular purpose other than to ‘see’ was a real treat. Finally, and whilst enjoying a  cappuccino under the cool shade of trees in the town square, I asked the young waitress if she would call a taxi for me to go to Liedolo, a small village about 15 minutes drive away.  She told me with vivid delight that she lived in Liedolo and she bounced off to get my bill and to call a taxi.

When she returned she looked very unhappy. There was not a single taxi available in the town or indeed anywhere nearby. This was a problem! I asked her if there was a bus. Yes, there was but it would mean traveling in the opposite direction for quite a distance, changing twice and it would probably take me about 2 hours. That would make me late for the next meeting. Big problem.

Looking for alternative transport

As I was thinking about alternatives and making a move towards the bus stop being the only viable option at that stage, she came running after me with a huge smile on her face: she had some news for me. She said that her mother was coming to get me and would drive me back to Liedolo. She would be here in about 10 minutes and would I please take a seat. As you might imagine, I was completely silenced by this extraordinary turn of events. Most of all, I was moved by the obvious joy on this young girl’s face that she had found a solution to a problem which was not hers.

As I chatted to my impromptu taxi driver, I learned that the family owned a restaurant in Liedolo which specialises in starters and deserts (no main courses). She told me about their special homemade tagliatelle with prosciutto, fresh melon and mascarpone cheese.

It was an easy decision to have dinner there one evening before I left! On Sunday evening in the shade of vines, we feasted on black risotto with peppers and pancetta followed by the tagliatelle special, then the finest lasagna (almost like filo) with fresh basil pesto, carpaccio of swordfish and gnocchi with rocket and cashew nuts. What was really enjoyable was that she didn’t give us a menu, she just looked at us and decided what we might like. Bliss!

So, if you are ever traveling through the Veneto valley and you see a sign to Liedolo, please take the time to feast at Primi Piatti da Sandro, Via San Lorenzo Di Liedolo, 38, San Zenone Degli Ezzelini (TV). They are open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday. And do tell them that Amanda sent you.

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